B1adverblawcrime
US/ɪˈliː.ɡəl.i/
UK/ɪˈliː.ɡəl.i/
in a way that is against the law
In context
Cars parked illegally on the pavement will be towed away.
The company illegally dumped waste into the river for years.
Many films are still downloaded illegally, which hurts local studios.
Words that go with illegally
verb + adverb
- parked illegallyAnyone who has parked illegally near the school will be fined.
- enter the country illegallyThousands of people try to enter the country illegally every year.
- work illegallyWithout a visa, he had no choice but to work illegally.
- operate illegallySeveral gold mines continued to operate illegally in the forest.
adverb + verb
- illegally obtainedThe court refused to accept the illegally obtained recordings.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
He illegal parked his motorbike.Correct: He illegally parked his motorbike. / He parked his motorbike illegally.